The upcoming Amazon MGM film, I Play Rocky, which recounts the creation of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic movie Rocky, has selected Anthony Ippolito to portray the young Stallone. Directed by Peter Farrelly, known for films like Dumb and Dumber and The Green Book, the movie aims to capture the relentless determination Stallone demonstrated in bringing Rocky to life in 1976. This project highlights the inspiring story behind the film that launched Stallone’s career and won the Best Picture Oscar.
How Anthony Ippolito Secured the Role
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anthony Ippolito took the initiative by submitting an unsolicited audition tape directly to the producers after learning about the project. This proactivity mirrors Stallone’s own relentless pursuit in making Rocky, suggesting that Ippolito shares the passion and mindset essential to embodying the role convincingly. Such dedication aligns well with the film’s focus on Stallone’s fight to star in and produce the movie that became a Hollywood classic.
Assessing Anthony Ippolito’s Fit for the Role
Anthony Ippolito gained recognition for his bold portrayal of Al Pacino in the limited series The Offer, showcasing a strong commitment to his craft that bodes well for his role in I Play Rocky. Though exact physical resemblance is not always crucial in biopics, Ippolito bears enough similarity to Sylvester Stallone’s younger self to make his performance believable. Visual comparisons emphasize matching features that reinforce his suitability to represent Stallone’s early days.
While numerous documentaries have explored Rocky’s origins and the development of the franchise, I Play Rocky promises a dramatic, fresh perspective on the story of Stallone’s ambition and perseverance. Even without reported involvement from Stallone himself, the casting of Ippolito and Farrelly’s direction suggest a compelling portrayal of this key chapter in Hollywood history. The film currently does not have a scheduled release date.
